Thursday, 27 January 2023
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today congratulated five residents for their outstanding contributions to their communities – Dr Jeanette Berman, Rosemary Curtis, Kent Mayo and Deni McKenzie – all named in the Australia Day Honours list as recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), as well as Kym Stanford who was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
Mr Marshall said the awards were official recognition of the outstanding contributions that the recipients had made in their respective communities and fields.
Dr Berman, Adjunct Associate Professor in Inclusive Education at the University of New England, has been awarded an OAM for her outstanding service to education. She was also a District Guidance Officer at the Department of Education.
“Dr Berman has worked tirelessly supporting children in the classroom both as a teacher and a school counsellor,” Mr Marshall said.
Rosemary Curtis has been awarded an OAM for her service to the Indigenous community of Glen Innes.
“Rose is well known in her local community,” he said.
“Raised in Tingha and Mungindi, she has helped provide local Indigenous families with housing and helped eradicate tuberculosis in the area. Rose has made an outstanding contribution to society.
Rosemary is the Director of Pathfinders, operating a broad range of programs and services to help children, youth, and families in the region.
Honorary Museum Director of McCrossin’s Mill Museum and President of the Uralla Historical Society, Kent Mayo has been awarded an OAM for his service to the Uralla community.
“Kent has worked tirelessly in a range of roles across Uralla and there is hardly an event, organisation or occasion that he’s not involved with,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s been an honour to know Kent over many years and witness his selfless community work. His OAM has been much anticipated.”
Deni McKenzie has been awarded an OAM for her service to Armidale and Uralla. She is currently a volunteer visitor at McMaugh Gardens Hostel and Committee Member of Armidale Care for Seniors.
“Deni helped bring SBS broadcast media to Armidale – her contribution has been immense,” Mr Marshall said.
Mungindi local Kym Stanford, who volunteers with the NSW Rural Fire Service, has been awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for her distinguished service.
Mr Marshall said to be acknowledged on Australia Day in the Honours List was one of the highest individual acknowledgements of service to the community.
“Jeanette, Rose, Kent, Deni and Kym are such positive influences in our community, and I’m delighted they have been honoured in this way,” he said.
“I extend my hearty congratulations all recipients and on behalf of the community, my most sincere gratitude for their service.”